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Audi reveals Q7's advanced infotainment systems
New luxury SUV to deliver tablet functionality and cross-platform smartphone integrationAudi has announced leading-edge infotainment systems will be offered in its new generation Q7 SUV, which was officially revealed last month.
Three videos the company has uploaded to its audimedia.tv site outline new features that provide easier and more flexible control of on-board connected systems.
In one video, Audi advises that the Q7 will be available with removable iPad-like tablets for the rear-seat occupants. Using the devices, which the company claims are heat-resistant and crash-safe, the passengers will be able to access the Internet in the conventional way, as well as accessing the Q7's comfort and convenience features – such as audio, satellite navigation and climate control. According to the manufacturer the tablets meet an LTE standard for telecommunications devices, and can also play back movies and TV.
Another video explains the changes to Audi's MMI system, including an upgraded all-in-touch control unit and the new Q7's version of the Virtual Cockpit introduced with the new series TT sports car, featuring a 12.3-inch TFT screen directly ahead of the driver.
The third video shows the Q7's ready integration of smartphone technology, via the Audi Phonebox. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto devices are wirelessly compatible with the new Q7, allowing users to download content from devices on either platform, and display and navigate through each device's various menu options via the car's on-board MMI infotainment screen. The smartphone integration can be controlled by voice, by the MMI single-point controller or by the all-in-touch handwriting interface.
Audi will make the Q7 a focal point of its stand at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this month, but before that the SUV and its new infotainment systems will make a public debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where the company will also display the TT Roadster, the RS 7 Sportback and the R8 LMX. And in a world premiere, Audi is expected to debut a new concept car, although no details are available at present. Could be the Q1?
2015 is shaping up to be a big year for Audi, with the company announcing a drastic increase in R&D spending. Between this year and 2019 the manufacturer's R&D investment will increase to €24 billion (around AUD $36 billion). According to Audi's Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, a large part of the investment is expected to be spent on "digitalization and alternative drive systems."
As much as 70 per cent of the spending will be allocated to new model development, with alternate-energy drivetrain systems and driver assistance/connectivity accounting for a significant sum.
"We place top priority on sustainable growth. That's why we are making large investments in the innovative areas of electric mobility, connectivity and lightweight construction," says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board for Audi AG.
"We are constantly developing alternative drive systems and focusing above all on connecting the car with its digital environment," explained Dr. Hackenberg in a press release issued by the company.
"The car will communicate with the driver, the Internet, the infrastructure and other vehicles, while moving in an environmentally friendly manner."
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Written byCarsales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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